A diplomatic dispute between the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, and the Israeli government has exposed growing divisions among European leaders over relations with Israel and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The controversy erupted following media reports alleging that Kallas privately told EU diplomats during a visit to Mexico that Israel’s treatment of Palestinians resembled South Africa’s former apartheid system.
The reported remarks sparked a strong reaction from Israel, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announcing that he would suspend contact with Kallas until she retracts what he described as a “blood libel” against Israel.
European Leaders Split
Speaking on the sidelines of the European Council summit in Brussels, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz distanced himself from the alleged comments.
“I don’t share this characterisation. We need to talk about this at some point, but I don’t share this characterisation at all,” Merz said.
Similarly, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša said he did not believe Israel was practising apartheid and noted that he had not personally heard Kallas make such remarks.
“If she did say it, then she was wrong,” Janša stated.
However, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin came to Kallas’ defence, criticising Israel’s reaction and stressing the importance of respecting the EU’s chief diplomat.
“It’s unacceptable. Kaja Kallas is the High Representative of the European Union,” Martin said.
Kallas Calls for Dialogue
Kallas has neither confirmed nor denied making the reported comments.
Instead, she has emphasised the importance of maintaining diplomatic engagement with Israel while also expressing concerns over Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
“We don’t always see eye to eye with the Israelis,” Kallas said.
She noted that the European Union has consistently criticised violence by settlers and the continued expansion of settlements, arguing that such actions make a future two-state solution increasingly difficult to achieve.
Growing EU Debate on Israel Policy
The dispute comes at a time when divisions within the European Union over Israel are becoming more pronounced.
Several member states have pushed for a tougher stance against Israeli settlement activities and have called for measures targeting trade linked to settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.
At a recent meeting of EU foreign ministers, 20 member states reportedly urged the European Commission to explore options for imposing trade restrictions on settlement products.
However, more significant actions, including suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, continue to face strong opposition from countries such as Germany and Italy.
Pressure on EU Diplomacy
The disagreement has also placed additional pressure on Kallas, who has faced increasing scrutiny over her leadership of the EU’s diplomatic service.
Responding to reports about possible restructuring within the European External Action Service, Kallas expressed frustration at what she described as constant criticism.
“I can’t fight the shadows all the time,” she said.
Despite the tensions, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal expressed hope that relations between Israel and the EU’s foreign policy chief could be repaired.
“I hope this will be resolved between friends,” he said, adding that Europe remains one of Israel’s closest partners.
The controversy highlights the increasingly sensitive debate within Europe over the Israel-Palestine conflict and the challenge facing EU leaders in maintaining a unified foreign policy position amid differing national perspectives.
